THE Motorsport Association of Malaysia (MAM) look increasingly likely to take over from the embattled Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) as the custodian of Malaysian motorsports.
MAM released a statement yesterday, confirming that the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the world body for auto (car) racing, have recognised MAM as the legitimate governing body for Malaysian motorsports — for now at least.
MAM quoted a statement by FIA secretary general of motorsport Peter Bayer, dated June 18, which disclosed that FIA have provisionally delegated governing duties from AAM to MAM as per Articles 5.2 and 16.3 of the FIA Statutes.
“Any further developments on this subject will be submitted to the members of the World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting in October,” said Bayer.
Bayer also hoped that MAM would take “all the necessary steps to allow a favourable exercise of sporting power” in Malaysia.
Article 5.2 states that on proposal of the World Motor Sport Council, the General Assembly exceptionally may decide that the Sporting Power be delegated to an organisation other than the holder of the Sporting Power if the holder of the Sporting Power so requests, or if the situation so requires, subject to prior consultation of the vice-president for sport, the FIA sport zone (as defined by the World Motor Sport Council) and the holder of the Sporting Power concerned.
Article 16.3 concerns settling any questions which cannot await the general assembly of the FIA to be dealt with subject to the rights of the senate expressed hereto.
MAM, however, have yet to receive the same recognition from FIM, the world governing body for motorcycle racing.
MAM president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir assured that MAM will carry out their duties accordingly.
“Our main priority is to ensure that motorsports in Malaysia continue uninterrupted at both national and international level,” said Mokhzani.
“It is vital that Malaysian motorsports have a working body to run its activities and also support the development and growth, including sanctioning events related to motorsports.
“We will do our best to make sure that Malaysian motorsports will get its best from us.”
In March, the Sports Commissioner’s Office confirmed they had de-registered AAM for failing to submit the various required documents, including general meeting minutes, list of committee members, audited financial statements, report of annual activities and list of members since 2016.
AAM, however, claimed that the de-registration was not carried out in a fair manner.